In early June, Michael Lewis, Hatzolah Board member and Responder, presented an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) unit to the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) as part of Hatzolah’s ‘Start the Heart’ project, which was initiated and funded by Gandel Philanthropy.
Stage one of the ‘Start the Heart’ project saw the installation of 35 defibrillators in major community buildings in 2014, with stage two rolling out a further 35 defibrillators in 2015.
Jennifer Huppert, JCCV President said, “The defibrillator provided to JCCV will be made available to JCCV affiliates and other community organisations for loan for major events, if they do not already have one available. JCCV will work with Hatzolah to arrange training for organisations in the use of the defibrillators. Only organisations with trained staff or volunteers will be able to borrow the defibrillator.”
Both Ms Huppert and Mr Lewis thanked Gandel Philanthropy for their tremendous support and commitment to the ‘Start the Heart’ project.
Sudden cardiac arrest usually occurs without any warning, and in 95% of cases results in death. It can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time. It strikes regardless of age, race or gender, affecting all ages from infants to seniors. It is responsible for more deaths than breast cancer, lung cancer, and HIV/AIDS combined. The only way to restart the heart is by applying an AED along with CPR.
Time is critical. An American Heart Association study found that for every minute defibrillation is delayed, the victim’s chance of survival decreases by about ten percent. After 10 minutes, typical survival rates drop to zero. The availability of a defibrillator can be critical to the patient’s survival.
Michael Lewis said, “Hatzolah receive 1,500 calls per year within our response area, and the responders are on call 24 hours, 7 days a week. Over 30,000 Australians suffer from cardiac arrest each year and 75% survive when there is early CPR and defibrillation. Through the generosity of Gandel Philanthropy, 70 defibrillators will be in many Jewish schools, shules and organisations by the end of the year. Another feature of this life saving program is that staff and volunteers are being trained on how to use this life saving equipment.”

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About Gandel Philanthropy

Gandel Philanthropy is one of Australia’s largest independent family philanthropic funds. It has been the vehicle for charitable giving by the extended Gandel family since its formation as the Gandel Charitable Trust in 1978.